From Ballpoint Pens to Termites: Amazing Everyday Facts

There's a Tiny Ball Inside a Ballpoint Pen
Ballpoint pens work thanks to a little ball inside the tip. It rolls as you write, picking up ink from inside the pen and spreading it onto the paper. This clever invention was made by László Bíró from Argentina and changed the way people write.

The Ocean Isn’t Actually Blue
The water in the sea is really clear, just like a glass of water. It looks blue mostly because it reflects the sky. Sometimes, things in the water also bend light and give it a blue or green color.

Earth Has a Magnetic Field That Points North
Our planet is surrounded by a magnetic field. You can’t feel it, and it won’t move your fridge magnet but it’s what makes a compass needle always point north.

Faxes Came Before Printers
Before we had printers, there were fax machines. They were first used by photojournalists in the early 1900s. Home printers didn’t appear until about 1940, when the first electronic computers came out.

Some Flowers Go to Sleep at Night
Certain flowers close their petals when the sun goes down and open them again in the morning. Scientists aren’t exactly sure why, but it might help keep them warm or protect their nectar from nighttime moisture.

Astronauts Face Health Challenges in Space
In space, where there’s no gravity, astronauts float but that’s not the only change. Over time, their bones lose calcium, their hearts get weaker, and their immune systems may not work as well.

Termites Are Blind But Great Builders
Even though termites can’t see, they build huge mounds, some up to 40 feet tall! They use their sharp sense of smell and taste to get the job done.